Manuel Neuer has barely returned to the Bundesliga when Bundesliga records are being set in Munich.
For the first time since November 12, 2022, Manuel Neuer was in goal for the German record champions. The keeper, who broke his lower leg after the botched World Cup in Qatar, celebrated his long-awaited comeback against Darmstadt 98.
Actually, the 177-time German national player should have and wanted to celebrate his return long ago, but several setbacks during rehab prevented this.
So now the comeback in the Bayern goal – after 350 days!
Neuer is cheered on by Bayern fans
But how did the Neuer return go?
When the goalkeeper and captain entered the field to warm up around 40 minutes before kick-off, the Bayern fans cheered loudly. Neuer is preparing for the game together with Sven Ulreich and Daniel Peretz.
Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund was pleased before the game on “Sky”: “He doesn’t seem nervous, but it’s a special day after such a long period of injury. He’s worked towards this for so long, so everyone is extremely happy now he’s on the pitch. He seems very focused.”
Then a wild first half begins.
Three red cards in the 1st half – Bundesliga record
The first excitement of the game came after just under four minutes. Kimmich misses a pass from Neuer when he assumes that the midfield star can only help himself with an emergency brake and is consequently sent off.
Gjasula and Maglica from Darmstadt will also be there in the first half, as they will also fly off the field after an emergency stop.
Neuer only really had to intervene twice in the first half. In the 27th minute he parried a Skarke shot from a tight angle. Around ten minutes later, the Bayern keeper prevented Munich from falling behind in a one-on-one with Mehlem.
There was little demand for Neuer in the second half, Bayern dismantled Darmstadt
But that’s basically the end of Manuel Neuer’s working day. Not because he had to be replaced due to injury, but because FC Bayern took advantage of their superiority in the second half and sent the Darmstadt team home with 8-0.
Things are likely to become significantly more difficult for the 37-year-old by the next matchday at the latest. Then FC Bayern travels to Dortmund for the big game. There will also be a second-round game in the DFB Cup in Saarbrücken during the week.